Landmark Verdict: Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million to E. Jean Carroll in Defamation Case
Jury Finds Former President Liable for Decades-Old Rape Accusation, Trump Vows to Appeal
Groundbreaking Decision: Manhattan Jury Awards $83.3 Million in Defamation Case
In a legal milestone, a Manhattan jury has delivered a verdict ordering former President Donald J. Trump to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for defamation in 2019. The case originated from Carroll’s accusation of sexual abuse decades ago, vehemently denied by Trump, who disparaged her as a liar.
Punitive Damages: $65 Million Awarded as Jury Finds Trump Acted with Malice
The jury, convinced of Trump’s malicious intent, awarded $65 million in punitive damages. Carroll’s legal team argued for a substantial sum to halt Trump’s continuous attacks, citing over 40 derisive posts on his Truth Social platform during the trial.
Swift Verdict: Judge Kaplan Rules in Favor of E. Jean Carroll After Short Deliberation
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan delivered the verdict after less than three hours of jury deliberation. Carroll’s lawyers emphasized the necessity of a significant award, prompting the jury to not only grant $65 million in punitive damages but also award an additional $18.3 million in compensatory damages for Carroll’s suffering.
Trump’s Response: Former President Decries Verdict as “Absolutely Ridiculous”
Trump, absent when the verdict was announced, criticized the decision as “absolutely ridiculous” in a Truth Social post. While expressing disagreement with the verdict, Trump refrained from directly attacking Carroll. He accused the legal system of being a political weapon and claimed a violation of his First Amendment rights.
Legal Dissent: Trump’s Lawyer Alina Habba Voices Discontent and Pledges Appeal
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, expressed dissatisfaction with Judge Kaplan’s handling of the case, echoing Trump’s sentiments. Despite not prevailing in the trial, she pledged to succeed in the appeal process.
Carroll’s Triumph: 80-Year-Old Writer Expresses Joy and Gratitude
At 80 years old, Carroll expressed joy and gratitude for the verdict, hailing it as a victory for women standing up against bullies. She thanked her legal team, while lead lawyer Roberta A. Kaplan emphasized that the verdict underscores the principle that the law applies to everyone, including the rich, famous, and former presidents.
Appeal Looms: Trump’s Challenge Means Delay for Carroll’s Awarded Sum
Despite Carroll’s significant win, Trump’s announced appeal suggests that she may not receive the awarded sum anytime soon. The case, unfolding amid public scrutiny, sheds light on the intersection of legal battles, defamation accusations, and the role of social media in public discourse.